Delhi Weather: National Capital Records Season's Lowest Temperature Amid Intense Cold Wave

Delhi woke up to a blanket of dense fog on Thursday morning as icy northwesterly winds dragged the minimum temperature down to 5.8 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest morning of the season so far.

The chill was sharper than the previous day when the mercury had settled at 8.6 degrees. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature was 1.1 degrees below normal, with cold winds sweeping in from the Himalayan region.

The fog reduced visibility across the capital, adding to the discomfort of residents already grappling with the ongoing cold wave. The IMD said the maximum temperature was expected to remain between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius, with fog persisting at upper levels across the northern plains.

While the cold conditions are likely to continue through the week, a slight rise in daytime temperatures could be expected from Friday. Clear skies with shallow to moderate fog in the mornings are forecast until January 14.

This marks the sharpest dip in temperatures since December 20, when Delhi recorded a minimum of 6.1 degrees Celsius. The biting cold has prompted authorities to extend the closure of schools in the capital until January 15, citing the need to protect children from severe weather conditions.

Alongside the cold wave, Delhi's air quality remained a concern. At 9 am on Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 276, categorised as "poor." While this reflected a marginal improvement compared to earlier readings, the Air Quality Early Warning System cautioned that pollution levels were likely to worsen later in the day, slipping back into the "very poor" category. Experts attributed the fluctuation to weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the surface during foggy mornings.

The cold snap was not limited to Delhi. In neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, minimum temperatures fell below 5 degrees Celsius, intensifying the winter chill. Further north, Kashmir continued to reel under sub-zero conditions. The tourist town of Sonamarg recorded the lowest temperature in the region at minus 10.1 degrees Celsius, while other parts of the Valley also reported freezing nights.

Residents across northern India have been advised to take precautions against the cold, with the IMD warning of continued foggy conditions that could affect road, rail, and air travel. The combination of low visibility and poor air quality has added to the challenges of daily life in the capital, where winter has tightened its grip earlier than expected this year.